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A Poem in the Sky

by Benjamin Zephaniah, illustrated by Nila Aye

Interest age: 4 to 7

Published by Orchard, 2026

  • Picture books
  • Poetry and rhyme

About this book

I see poems in your teeth/I see poems in me cat. 

There are poems underneath going rata tat tat.

There are poems everywhere! In your dreams, in outer space, even on your nose. There are poems for the ear and poems for the page. Poetry will never stop.

This poem by the late Benjamin Zephaniah suits the picture book form very well. Adapted posthumously, and illustrated in a soft yet energetic way by Nila Aye, who also illustrated Nature Trail and People Need People, the pulse of the text works brilliantly with the turn of the page. The joyous positivity of the words will make any budding writer feel inspired to write, and to feel included as a writer. A fabulous book to share with children. 

About the author

Benjamin Zephaniah was a pioneer of the performance poetry scene. He recorded albums, wrote plays for stage, radio and television, and wrote poetry for children, adults, and novels for teenagers. He was also an actor and television presenter. His message was one of unity, peace and expression through creativity. He held 16 honorary doctorates and was visiting professor at De Montfort University and Professor of Poetry and Creative Writing at Brunel University.

His autobiography, The Life and Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah, was nominated for two major awards and he toured often with his band. Benjamin lived in Lincolnshire for much of his later life.

Benjamin passed away on 7 December 2023. 

Diana Gerald, Chief Executive of BookTrust, the UK’s largest children’s reading charity, said:  

“Everyone at BookTrust is devastated to hear the news about one of the nation’s favouritepoets Benjamin Zephaniah. 

“Benjamin Zephaniah was a pioneer of the performance poetry scene. He recorded albums, wrote plays for stage, radio and television, and he wrote poetry for children, adults, and novels for teenagers. He was also an actor and television presenter. His message was one of unity, peace and expression through creativity. He held 16 honorary doctorates and was visiting professor at De Montfort University and Professor of Poetry and Creative Writing at Brunel University. 

“His fiction and poetry collections for older children, including Face, Gangsta Rap, Teacher’s Dead, Refugee Boy and Terror Kid and Windrush Child, have become thought-provoking beloved classics to be treasured forever by children and the adults they turn into, and by teachers.   

“His picture book with Nila Aye, Nature Trail, was shortlisted for the BookTrust Storytime Prize 2023, because it brought wonder and joy in nature to children. Benjamin’s energy and love for words and their ability to change children's lives will be sorely missed.” 

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